World Soccer Body Does Surprise Doping Test On Russian Team

Doping testers for the world soccer federation have turned up unannounced to collect samples from a top Russian soccer team amid suspicions of meldonium use.

FIFA medical chief Jiri Dvorak said that the Rostov starting 11 were tested after they won 3-1 against Dynamo Moscow on May 12. Rostov has mounted a surprise title challenge this season and is two points behind leader Dynamo.

Dvorak, who is attending the FIFA Congress in Mexico City, said that he personally initiated the probe because of"some rumors in the media about meldonium and Rostov ordering meldonium."

As a result, "we have today done an unannounced control of a football club, Rostov...which we successfully completed one hour ago," he said.

The samples will be taken to a laboratory in Europe, and results may be known by May 16, he said.